AE leaning on retired Mio superintendent in first semester

TWINING — With Rocky Aldrich’s departure as the Arenac Eastern School District’s Superintendent (AE), less than a month before the school year started, the district hasn’t had much time to find a replacement, but during its ongoing search, Patrick Bootz, retired Mio-AuSable Superintendent, will fill in.

“I appreciate the opportunity given to me by the Board and community. I'll try not to let them down while they search for a permanent candidate for this position,” Bootz said, adding taking over has been a swift procedure. “On Sept 1, I interviewed with the Board of Education and was notified later that evening that the Board was prepared to offer me the interim position. Mr. Mike Dewey, Bay-Arenac I.S.D. Superintendent, introduced me to faculty and staff on Sept. 3. I spent the day at the school to familiarize myself and officially started the job on the first day of school on Sept. 8.”

Serving as an interim superintendent is something Bootz says he’s well accustomed to doing.

“I retired from Mio-AuSable in 2005, but served as an interim in Ellsworth for the 2006-07 school year and as an interim at Harbor Springs Public Schools in 2008,” Bootz said. “The adjustment hasn’t been that difficult.”

It may be beneficial, too, that Bootz is very familiar with AE.

“I attended Arenac Eastern from kindergarten through graduation,” he said. “I have family and friend ties to the community. I know that the school is important to the community and want it to be successful. I have this special interest in the school that goes beyond professional career.

“I want to do what is ever necessary to achieve the mission of the school and provide quality service and education to the community.”

Bootz received a Masters in school administration from Central Michigan University and served as an officer in the United States Marines Corps.

Comments

Please keep comments on topic and appropriate for all ages. Remember that people of all ages read our website. Those that are not appropriate will be removed. Please read our full community guidelines before posting.